September is packed with opportunities to celebrate pets, educate pet parents, support important causes, and connect with your community.
This month brings a great mix of fun celebrations and meaningful awareness campaigns—from Happy Cat Month and National Dog Week to Animal Pain Awareness Month, disaster preparedness, responsible pet ownership, adoption awareness, and more.
And for independent pet retailers, September ends with one of the biggest celebrations of all: Neighborhood Pet Store Day!
Use these September pet holidays as inspiration for your social media, email campaigns, in-store displays, events, promotions, and conversations with customers throughout the month.
Month-Long Observances
Week-Long Holidays
Single Day Holidays
- National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
- Scooby-Doo Day
- National Hug Your Hound Day
- National Pet Bird Day
- National Meow Like a Pirate Day
- Puppy Mill Awareness Day
- Responsible Dog Ownership Day
- National Walk ‘n’ Roll Dog Day
- Remember Me Thursday®
- World’s Largest Pet Walk
- Neighborhood Pet Store Day
- National Bunny Day
- World Rabies Day
Month-Long Observances
Welcome Fall!
I may be partial to the Fall Season. I can’t help it! I mean, who can resist the cooler weather, the leaves changing, pumpkin-flavored stuff everywhere, and then there’s Spooky Season… All the fun things. So, how can we relate the start of Fall to our pets? Well, we all know how beneficial pumpkin is when it comes to their digestion – so now is the time to put your pumpkin treats, toppers, and supplements front and center. I already got pumpkin goat’s milk and pumpkin puree thawing in my fridge for Pet-Friendly Pumpkin Spiced Lattes!
Sharing fun seasonal recipes like these with your customers is a great way to help them introduce healthy foods into their pet’s routine. Everyone wins! We also know that when the weather is cooler, there are many more opportunities to get out there and enjoy that weather. I mean, who doesn’t love a fall hike! Encourage your customers to get out there and explore. September is also traditionally “Back to School” time. This can be tied to pet training classes or doggie daycare. Invite your pup clients “Back to School” and show them what you have in store for them!
Happy Cat Month
Happy Cat Month, brought to us by the CATalyst Council, is all about helping cats live happier, healthier, more enriched lives. While cats may have a reputation for being independent, they still need plenty of physical activity, mental stimulation, proper nutrition, preventive care, and quality time with their humans. This month is a great opportunity to help cat parents think beyond the basics and discover new ways to support their feline friends.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Create a Happy Cat display featuring enrichment toys, scratchers, catnip, treats, puzzle feeders, beds, and other feline favorites.
- Share weekly cat-care tips covering topics like enrichment, hydration, nutrition, litter box health, play, and stress reduction.
- Introduce customers to something new by spotlighting lesser-known cat products or offering samples of participating cat foods and treats.
- Celebrate your feline customers by asking shoppers to share photos of their cats for a social media feature or in-store “Happy Cat Wall.”
National Service Dog Month
National Service Dog Month recognizes the highly trained dogs that assist people with disabilities and help their handlers live more independently. It’s also an opportunity to educate the public about the important distinction between service dogs, therapy animals, and emotional support animals—and remind customers that working service dogs should never be distracted without their handler’s permission.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Share service dog etiquette tips on social media and remind customers to never pet, feed, call to, or distract a working service dog.
- Spotlight a local service dog organization and share information about its mission, training programs, or volunteer opportunities.
- Host a fundraiser or donation drive benefiting an organization that trains and places service dogs.
- Recognize working teams in your community with a thoughtful post celebrating service dogs and the important jobs they perform.
Responsible Dog Ownership Month
Being a responsible dog owner means more than providing food, water, and a comfy place to sleep. Dogs depend on their people for proper nutrition, training, exercise, enrichment, grooming, preventive healthcare, identification, socialization, and a lifetime commitment to their well-being. Responsible Dog Ownership Month is a great opportunity to help customers become even better advocates for their dogs.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Create a Responsible Dog Owner Checklist covering identification, nutrition, exercise, training, grooming, veterinary care, and enrichment.
- Feature products that support everyday wellness, such as ID tags, walking gear, dental products, grooming supplies, enrichment toys, and training treats.
- Partner with a local trainer for an in-store Q&A, puppy manners class, or educational social media series.
- Encourage routine-building by helping customers choose products that make healthy habits like walking, brushing teeth, grooming, and enrichment easier.
Animal Pain Awareness Month
Animals can’t tell us when something hurts, and signs of pain can sometimes be surprisingly subtle. Changes in appetite, mobility, posture, sleep, grooming, behavior, or willingness to play may indicate that a pet isn’t feeling its best. Animal Pain Awareness Month, started by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM), encourages pet parents to learn the signs and talk with their veterinarian when something doesn’t seem right.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Share educational content about recognizing possible signs of discomfort and encourage customers to consult their veterinarian when they notice changes.
- Highlight products that support comfortable daily living, such as orthopedic beds, ramps, steps, supportive harnesses, and non-slip accessories.
- Create a senior-pet section featuring products designed to make life easier for aging dogs and cats.
- Partner with a local veterinarian or rehabilitation professional for educational content about mobility, aging, and recognizing changes in a pet’s behavior.
National Preparedness Month
Emergencies don’t always come with much warning. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, power outages, and other disasters can force families to leave home quickly—and pets need an emergency plan, too. National Preparedness Month is a reminder for pet parents to make sure their pets are included in household evacuation and emergency plans.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Build a Pet Emergency Kit display with portable bowls, food containers, leashes, carriers, waste bags, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and travel necessities.
- Create a printable pet preparedness checklist customers can take home.
- Remind customers to check identification information, including ID tags and microchip contact details.
- Share local emergency resources such as pet-friendly shelters, evacuation information, veterinary emergency clinics, and boarding facilities.
Week-long Holidays
Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week
3rd Week of September : September 20–26, 2026
Some shelter pets are overlooked simply because they’re older, have a disability or medical condition, are shy, belong to a misunderstood breed, or just don’t stand out in a crowded adoption environment. Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable Pet Week shines a light on these deserving animals and reminds potential adopters that the perfect companion may be the pet everyone else has passed by.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Partner with a local shelter or rescue to spotlight pets that have been waiting longer for homes.
- Create social posts introducing individual adoptable pets and tell customers what makes each one special.
- Offer an adoption welcome gift or discount to customers who adopt an eligible pet during the week.
- Host an adoption or meet-and-greet event with a local rescue and give overlooked pets some extra visibility.
National Deaf Dog Awareness Week
Last Full Week of September : September 20–26, 2026
Deaf dogs can live happy, active, completely fulfilling lives. They may communicate differently—often relying on hand signals, visual cues, vibration, and consistent routines—but hearing loss doesn’t prevent them from learning, playing, bonding, or becoming wonderful companions. National Deaf Dog Awareness Week helps challenge misconceptions and celebrates these special pups. DeafDogsRock.com is a great resource for all things deaf dog awareness.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Share educational content about living with and training deaf dogs.
- Highlight training tools and enrichment products that work well for dogs who rely heavily on visual cues and other senses.
- Feature an adoptable deaf dog from a local shelter or rescue on your social channels.
- Invite a trainer or rescue professional to share tips about positive-reinforcement training and communication with deaf dogs.
National Dog Week
Last Full Week of September : September 20–26, 2026
As if dog lovers needed another reason to celebrate! National Dog Week recognizes the companionship, loyalty, joy, and occasional chaos that dogs bring into our lives. It’s a full week to appreciate dogs of every breed, size, age, and background—and to encourage responsible care for the pups who depend on us.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Celebrate a different type of dog each day, such as seniors, puppies, rescues, working dogs, mutts, or local canine customers.
- Run a Dog Week giveaway featuring a bundle of favorite treats, toys, or walking gear.
- Host a customer appreciation event for dogs and their humans.
- Encourage user-generated content by asking customers to post their favorite dog photos and tag your store.
One-Day Events
Labor Day
1st Monday of September : Monday, September 7, 2026
Labor Day celebrates American workers and their contributions, while also marking the unofficial end of summer for many families. For pet retailers, the long weekend creates a natural opportunity to help customers squeeze in one more adventure, cookout, road trip, beach day, or backyard hangout with their pets.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Create an End-of-Summer Adventure display featuring travel bowls, leashes, outdoor toys, treats, cooling gear, and travel accessories.
- Share Labor Day pet safety reminders for cookouts, hot weather, travel, crowds, and outdoor activities.
- Host a long-weekend promotion to encourage customers to stock up on food, treats, and adventure essentials.
- Celebrate your team with a social post that recognizes the employees who make your neighborhood pet store special.
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Annually on September 1
I may be partial, but I think ginger cats are the best! There are two ginger cats amongst the Astro Pet Family. I (Kat) have a boisterous male ginger shorthair named MeNow (windowsill), and Cassie has a smoldering male ginger bobtail named Oliver (toe bean cuddles). So let’s settle in and learn some fun facts about orange cats!
- Ginger cats’ coats come in five different varieties. These include the classic swirl pattern, the striped ‘mackerel’ pattern, the spotted pattern, the patched pattern, or the ticked pattern.
- All ginger cats are actually “tabby” cats, meaning they have the agouti gene. However, not all tabby cats are orange or ginger in color. Ginger cats are also often referred to as “tiger cats” because they have a coat and color similar to that of their larger cousin, the tiger.
- Most ginger cats are male. Apparently, the ‘ginger gene’, which produces that orange color, exists on the X chromosome. Females need two of these ‘ginger’ X chromosomes to be ginger. Males only need one. Ginger cat male-to-female ratios are approximately 3:1.
- Two ginger parent cats will produce all ginger kittens. Ginger tomcats tend to father female kittens, either ginger or ‘tortoise shell’. Sounds to me like those ginger ladies are pretty special.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Ask customers to share photos of their ginger cats and create an orange-cat social media takeover.
- Create a ginger-themed display featuring orange toys, beds, bowls, or cat accessories.
- Spotlight adoptable orange cats from a local rescue or shelter.
- Hold a “Show Us Your Ginger” contest and award one feline customer a cat-themed prize bundle.
Sept. 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
Annually on September 8
Rain, heat, cold, mud, squirrels—professional dog walkers handle it all! National Dog Walker Appreciation Day, founded by Wag!, recognizes the people who help keep dogs exercised, enriched, and cared for while their humans are busy.
Whether walking with Wag!, another business, a friend, or a colleague, dog walkers everywhere deserve a little extra gratitude today. “Picking up poop is just one part of a dog walker’s job — and it’s the easiest part of this business,” said Jason Meltzer, co-founder and chief dog officer at Wag!
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Spotlight local dog walkers on your social media pages and encourage customers to recommend their favorites.
- Create a Dog Walker Essentials display with waste bags, treat pouches, portable bowls, reflective gear, and walking accessories.
- Partner with a local dog-walking business for a giveaway or cross-promotion.
- Offer local professional dog walkers a small thank-you perk when they visit your store on September 8.
Sept. 13: Scooby-Doo Day
Annually on September 13
Zoinks! September 13 celebrates one of pop culture’s most recognizable canine characters: Scooby-Doo. Since Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! first debuted in 1969, Scooby and the Mystery Inc. gang have entertained generations of fans with mysteries, monsters, meddling villains, and plenty of Scooby Snacks.
Let’s mix Scooby Snacks and a mystery to solve. One of my favorite games to play with my pets is to hide treats around the house so they can sniff them out – like g-g-g-ghosts! Or dudes dressed like ghosts.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Host a Scooby Snacks treat bar with samples or special treats for canine customers.
- Create a mystery-themed scavenger hunt around your store with prizes for customers who solve the clues.
- Invite customers to share photos of their own “Scooby” lookalikes—especially Great Danes!
- Have fun with your social content by turning staff pets into members of your own neighborhood Mystery Inc. crew.
National Hug Your Hound Day
2nd Sunday of September : September 13, 2026
National Hug Your Hound Day was started to make America more pup-friendly, as it is in Europe. Wouldn’t it be awesome if our dogs were accepted in more places? Like in taxis, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Today is the time to appreciate the companionship and value our dogs give us emotionally and physically. All-day long, be sure to give your pooch your full attention. Try spending the day the same way your dog spends it!
It’s all about observing your dog (from their point of view). That means, explore your dog’s world from their perspective. Investigate their environment and habits. For fun, try exploring a park together – take time to enjoy the sights and smells with the same passion for nature as your pup. Or for a more investigative approach, get down on their level and check for any hazards that you may have missed before – such as toxic plants or broken toys.
As a Neighborhood Pet Shop, you can offer your customers some sweet tips on how to have fun like a dog, or some valuable advice on what to keep a lookout for when it comes to potential hidden hazards. You can also recommend safe and enriching toys that will stimulate their minds and encourage human-dog bonding time.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Encourage customers to do a “Hound’s-Eye View” home safety check. Share a checklist of things to look for, including damaged toys, accessible household chemicals, unsafe plants, unsecured fencing, and other potential hazards.
- Create a “Safe, Happy & Comfortable” product display featuring replacement toys, enrichment products, cozy beds, gates, walking gear, and other items that can help improve a dog’s everyday environment.
- Help customers see their dog’s world differently by sharing educational tips about canine body language, enrichment, comfort, and creating dog-friendly spaces at home.
- Encourage some quality hound time! Invite customers to spend the day doing something their dog loves—a sniff-filled walk, favorite game, relaxing adventure, or simply some uninterrupted time together. And if their dog enjoys hugs, there’s always room for one of those, too!
National Pet Bird Day
Annually on September 7
Preen your feathers and warm up your singing voice because September 17 is National Pet Bird Day. It’s a chance to recognize and celebrate the joy that being a bird’s pet parent can bring to your life. National Pet Bird Day is sponsored every year by the Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (yes, it spells BEAK!).
The organization promotes safe, fun, and responsible bird ownership and has tips and tools to help you find your feathered soul mate. They’ve put together a bunch of great resources for the bird lovers in all of us, including tons of information about birds and pet bird parenting, and quite possibly the cutest dang internet quiz ever made.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Give your bird department the spotlight with a special display of foods, treats, toys, perches, and enrichment products.
- Share bird-care education about nutrition, enrichment, safe toys, and creating a stimulating environment.
- Introduce a “Bird of the Day” social series featuring different companion bird species.
- Partner with a bird rescue or avian veterinarian to share expert resources with customers.
National Meow Like a Pirate Day
Annually on September 19
Avast Me Hearties! Booty Awaits Ye! Arrrr! I’m so stoked about this holiday! When I first stumbled upon it, I was hooked. 😉
September 19 has been known as Talk Like a Pirate Day since 1995, but in 2015, cats gained their due respect with the co-celebration of Meow Like a Pirate Day. Since pirates are rarely seen without a cat or two (or ten) to keep rodents at bay on their man-o-war, it’s only fitting to include them in today’s festivities.
Fun Facts! Cats, long seen as creatures of either good or bad luck, often rode along with pirates on the high seas. The sailors saw them as good luck charms who could keep away evil spirits (and rats).
Sure, they may not be the most water-loving choice of pets, but it’s said that many pirates couldn’t swim. So really, cats are just as qualified as any other pirate to adorn a crossbow hat and set sail past the tide.
So, as we bark like an old salt, drink rum from the bottle, and throw manners out the window, don’t forget to share your booty with the ship’s cat. Speaking of “booty” (aka treasure – get your mind outta the gutter ), there are plenty of cat-themed Astro Offers this month for your customers to set sail and come see ya for. Savvy?
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Turn your cat department into a pirate treasure trove and feature feline “booty” like treats, toys, and catnip.
- Post pirate-themed photos or videos starring your shop cat, staff cats, or feline customers.
- Run a “Treasure Hunt” promotion with hidden deals or prizes throughout the store.
- Invite customers to submit pirate names for their cats and share your favorites online.
Puppy Mill Awareness Day
3rd Saturday of September : September 19, 2026
National Puppy Mill Awareness Day on the third day of September encourages those looking for a new dog to adopt, not shop. The National Puppy Mill Project formed the Puppy Mill Awareness Day initiative to spread awareness and educate the public to help end puppy mills.
Based on my audience – Neighborhood Pet Shops and Natural and Holistic Pet Supply Brands – I’m pretty confident that we’re all on the same page about Puppy Mills (booo! bad!).
Luckily, we can support local adoptions from Shelters and 501 (c)(3) Rescues with more than just our words and morals – we can use Astro Sharing the Love! The list of participating Astro Brand Partners continues to grow and grow. So if you are a Neighborhood Pet Retailer on Astro and have yet to explore Sharing the Love, now is the time to do so – I guarantee you can build the perfect Welcome Home Adoption Bundle for adopted pets in your community!
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Share educational resources about responsible pet acquisition and questions prospective dog owners should ask.
- Partner with a local rescue or shelter for an adoption event or awareness campaign.
- Spotlight rescue success stories from your customers and community.
- Collect donations or wish-list items for organizations caring for dogs rescued from large-scale breeding situations.
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
3rd Saturday of September : September 19, 2026
The whole month of September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, but today is the official day dedicated to this theme.
Each year, the AKC invites its more than 5,000 affiliated dog clubs, along with other pet-related organizations, to host Responsible Dog Ownership Days to help educate the public in their communities about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets. These events typically consist of educational booths, action-packed dog demonstrations, games, activities to try out with your dog, microchipping, health clinics, and more.
Owning a dog has endless pleasures and rewards, but we all need a friendly reminder about the obligations we have to our pets in return.
One fun spin to take on this holiday is pointing out the benefits our dogs have on our lives, health, and frankly, sanity. Their health is in our hands, so it’s only fair to provide them with the best. And where do you get the very best? At your Neighborhood Pet Shop, of course!
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Host a Responsible Dog Owner event with local trainers, veterinarians, groomers, or other pet professionals.
- Offer free pet ID checks and remind customers to verify that tags and microchip information are current.
- Create educational stations around the store covering nutrition, dental health, enrichment, walking, training, and grooming.
- Build a New Dog Parent checklist featuring everyday essentials and resources for responsible lifelong care.
National Walk ‘n’ Roll Dog Day
Annually on September 22
National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day (NWNRDD) was created in August 2012 by award-winning author Barbara Techel, who is also an advocate for dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and dogs in wheelchairs. This day was created in memory of her beloved Dachshund, Frankie, nationally known as the ‘Walk ‘N Roll Dog’, and in honor of all wheelchair dogs around the world.
Barbara witnessed firsthand from Frankie, who became paralyzed after a diagnosis of IVDD, that dogs in wheelchairs can live happy, long, quality lives if given a chance. We should not take pity on pets who lose their mobility. But, instead, celebrate and embrace their perseverance and adversity. In Frankie’s memory, Barbara founded this day to continue to bring positive awareness to all dogs in wheelchairs.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Highlight mobility-friendly products such as supportive harnesses, ramps, orthopedic beds, and non-slip accessories.
- Share stories of differently abled dogs in your community—with their humans’ permission.
- Partner with a canine rehabilitation professional to provide educational information about mobility and quality of life.
- Create a senior and special-needs pet section that makes supportive products easier for customers to discover.
Remember Me Thursday®
4th Thursday of September : September 24, 2026
Remember Me Thursday® Remember Me Thursday® is an international social media awareness day that brings attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters and remembers those pets who never got a second chance. Share your rescue pet using #RememberMeThursday.
On this day, the entire world will share the importance of pet adoption and shine a light on all orphan pets waiting in shelters and rescues.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Spotlight adoptable pets from local shelters and rescues throughout the day.
- Share customer adoption stories and invite your community to post their own rescue pets.
- Create a remembrance display honoring beloved shelter and rescue animals.
- Partner with a rescue organization for a fundraiser, adoption event, or donation drive.
World’s Largest Pet Walk
4th Saturday of September : September 26, 2026
The fourth Saturday in September is an official Pet Partners walking event and signature fundraiser. This event is for everyone who wants to enjoy the health benefits of being active with pets, while also supporting Pet Partners! Pets and their people are invited to walk at any time and in any location on Saturday, September 25. Walk whatever distance and path that feels right for you and your animal. Whether you gather some friends and family for a casual stroll around the block, lead a group walk at your workplace or community, or take a quiet hike with just you and your animal, we want to see you taking steps with your pets.
Interested? You can register for the walk here, or organize and register your own group of walkers in your community. Your participation will support their Therapy Animal Program, which brings unconditional love, happiness, and healing to millions of seniors, patients, veterans, and children in need.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Organize a community pet walk beginning or ending at your store.
- Create a Walk Day Essentials station with leashes, harnesses, portable bowls, waste bags, treats, and other walking gear.
- Form a store fundraising team and encourage customers and employees to participate together.
- Share photos from your community walk and encourage participants to tag your store and the World’s Largest Pet Walk.
Neighborhood Pet Store Day
Last Saturday of September : September 26, 2026
This one’s for YOU! Neighborhood Pet Store Day, created by IndiePet, celebrates independent pet retailers and the important role they play in their communities. Independent pet stores offer something the big boxes and online giants simply can’t replicate: knowledgeable staff, carefully selected products, personal relationships, and a genuine investment in the health and happiness of local pets.
Neighborhood Pet Store Day officially falls on Saturday, September 26, but Astro retailers have even more reason to celebrate throughout the weekend with special Neighborhood Pet Store Day Astro Offers from participating brands.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Make it an event! Plan an in-store celebration with samples, giveaways, activities, local partners, adoptable pets, or other reasons for customers to stop by.
- Enroll in your Neighborhood Pet Store Day Astro Offers and make sure your team understands which products are participating before the weekend begins.
- Promote, promote, promote! Use your Astro Marketing Suite, email, social media, in-store signage, and conversations at checkout to make sure customers know something BIG is happening.
- Tell your store’s story. Remind customers what shopping local supports—local jobs, community organizations, knowledgeable pet professionals, and a neighborhood business that genuinely cares about their pets.
National Bunny Day
Last Saturday of September : September 27, 2025
Dogs and cats don’t get to have all the fun! National Bunny Day celebrates pet rabbits while raising awareness about responsible rabbit ownership and welfare. Rabbits are intelligent, social animals with specific dietary, housing, enrichment, and healthcare needs, making this a great opportunity to educate customers about what these often misunderstood pets need to thrive.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Spotlight your rabbit section with hay, healthy foods, chews, toys, enrichment items, and habitat essentials.
- Share rabbit-care tips about proper nutrition, enrichment, housing, handling, and veterinary care.
- Partner with a rabbit rescue to feature adoptable bunnies or share information about rabbit adoption.
- Create a Bunny Basics display for new and prospective rabbit parents featuring essentials and educational resources.
World Rabies Day
Annually on September 28
September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global health observance started in 2007 to raise awareness about rabies and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide. World Rabies Day is observed in many countries, including the United States.
While rabies is a 100% preventable disease, more than 59,000 people die from the disease around the world each year. World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on our efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over.
Major health organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have pledged to eliminate human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030. The theme for World Rabies Day 2020 is “End Rabies: Collaborate, Vaccinate”– you can help by keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, and collaborating with doctors, veterinarians, educators, community workers, policymakers, and others in your community to raise awareness around rabies prevention and control.
How Retailers Can Get Involved
- Remind customers about preventive veterinary care and the importance of keeping rabies vaccinations current.
- Partner with a local veterinary clinic to share reliable educational resources about rabies prevention.
- Share wildlife safety reminders for customers who hike, camp, walk, or spend time outdoors with their pets.
- Use the day to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage customers to review their pets’ veterinary records and preventive-care needs.
Make September a Month to Remember
September gives independent pet retailers plenty of reasons to connect with customers—from celebrating cats, dogs, birds, and bunnies to educating pet parents about responsible ownership, adoption, preparedness, mobility, and preventive care.
You don’t have to celebrate every holiday on the calendar. Choose the ones that best fit your store, your customers, and the causes your team cares about. A thoughtful social post, educational display, email campaign, fundraiser, or in-store event can turn a simple pet holiday into a meaningful customer connection.
And don’t forget to save some energy for the end of the month! With National Dog Week, Remember Me Thursday, the World’s Largest Pet Walk, National Bunny Day, and Neighborhood Pet Store Day all packed into the final stretch of September, there’s plenty of opportunity to finish the month strong.
Most importantly, Neighborhood Pet Store Day is your chance to celebrate what makes independent pet retail special. Show your community who you are, introduce customers to something new, promote your Offers, and give pet parents plenty of reasons to shop small and celebrate local with you.
